Answers about Forgery and Fraud

A company sent me a check that supposedly was for lottery winnings. The company told me to cash the check and to return some of the money to cover processing fees. I deposited the check, but it turned out to be fraudulent; the bank then stated that I had to repay them. What can I do?

Depending on the circumstances and your State's laws, you may be held responsible for the entire amount of the fraudulent check that you cash at the bank or deposit into your account.

If your bank gave you credit for a check that is found to be fraudulent, the bank can reverse the funds from your account. As the payee of the fraudulent check, you must pursue the maker of the check for restitution.

Two tips: Never accept a check from someone you don't know. And throw away any offer that asks you to pay for a prize or gift.